With more time dedicated to blogging, I’ll start previewing some of my upcoming blog posts before they’re released. I hope this inspires some great conversations and encourages people to reach out before I write the final pieces.

Have strong thoughts on this topic? Reach out at BeyondNonJD@gmail.com (subject line: Blog Preview). Your thoughts/comments/quotes may be included in the final piece.

June: U.S. Citizens and Green Card Holders in General LL.M. Programs

If a General LL.M. is not *really* designed to work/stay in the U.S., is there (or should there be) additional attention paid when U.S. citizens and green card holders apply for these programs? Unlike those on visas, they likely are not going to just “go home” if things don’t work out. The U.S. is home!

Ultimately, it is their choice whether a J.D., A.J.D., or Specialized LL.M. is a better option than the General LL.M. (and plenty of Specialized LL.M. programs also meet New York’s eligibility rules with proper planning). But do (or should) pre-enrollment conversations look the same as with F-1/J-1 applicants? Different?

One year of costs and not working definitely feels more attractive than three. Or even two! And so I understand why an LL.M. can feel like the better route when looking at U.S. legal education on top of an already completed first degree in law in a foreign education system. But even the General v. Specialized LL.M. debate isn’t clear cut.

For some, a General LL.M. may be all they need to get the bar eligibility for the jurisdiction they want. Or the education they need for jobs already lined up or that they’ll secure through their networks. And the subjects may better align with what they’ll do next.

What about if you’re living and already settled in an area with only one law school. And that law school only has a General LL.M. program and a J.D. program, but no specialized LL.M. in a subject that makes sense for you or A.J.D. option? Or the J.D. program or programs in that city are extremely difficult to get into?

Or, they may evaluate all the information and come to the conclusion that an all-in focus on bar-tested subjects is really the best bet. Especially since the bar license is needed to practice law in the U.S. and it’s a better use of time to get that license first and then find a job without any work authorization issues or stress.

But I think it’s an underdiscussed topic, at least publicly. And so I’ll have a blog about it next month on Beyond Non-JD | by Joshua Alter. Including where I land on the nuanced and complex issue.

Ultimately, you won’t be surprised. It’ll very much depend on you, your goals, your networks, and how you’d maximize your experience in the General LL.M. degree. And so having the information needed to make the best choice for you is important!